Unified Partners
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Edna Šunjić
From her first swim at Oaza to breaking barriers in sport, leadership, education, and government, Edna’s story is one of perseverance, possibility, and the transformative power of inclusion.
2 Min Read
‘Basketball was our Language’—Brother and Sister Star in the World’s First International Unified Basketball Camp
Mer and Amira were among 40 Special Olympics players and Unified Partners from Finland, Bulgaria and Lithuania taking part.
3 Min Read
Life-changing Benefits of Basketball with Special Olympics Hellas and Panathinaikos AKTOR
“Basketball has changed my life and I am proud to be a part of this family.”
2 Min Read
sportanddev: Paris to Host the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup 2026
The following is an excerpt from sportanddev’s article, detailing the upcoming 2026 Unified Football World Cup in Paris and sharing the excitement from sponsors and Special Olympics leadership.
1 Min Read
FIVB Supports Inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Poland
[Katowice, Poland – 14 October 2025] The first-ever Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup took place 5 – 8 October in Katowice, Poland. Sixteen international teams competed, with Slovakia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) taking the men’s/mixed and women’s crowns, respectively.
4 Min Read
Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition Expands Inclusive Sports Landscape for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the Region
The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Badminton Competition recently wrapped up, with 80 badminton players, including 63 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and 17 unified partners.
5 Min Read
A Historic First: Meet Eight Top Athletes Taking to the Volleyball Court in Katowice
The inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup will see 8 women’s and 8 men’s/mixed teams competing for the title.
3 Min Read
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Sangjin Kim
For as long as he can remember, Sangjin Kim loved football. Growing up in Korea, much of his free time was spent on the pitch.
2 Min Read
Athletes Revive like Pros with Toyota Motor Europe Recovery Rooms
The athletes competing at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice this October can expect to enjoy elite standard post-competition facilities with dedicated Recovery Rooms developed and supported by Toyota Motor Europe.
2 Min Read
Behind the Mic: From Tennis Mishaps to Million-View Milestones
Host Novie Craven welcomes podcast producer Alex Padalino and Chris Bence to share the story behind the show’s creation, its impact and the role of partnership in building a platform for inclusion.
1 Min Read